Spain squad down to 27!

May 5th, 2006 | by: Ian | View Comments

Some surprises in Luis Aragones’ 27-man provisional squad released today.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Santiago Canizares (Valencia)

Defenders: Joan Capdevila (Deportivo La Coruna), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Asier Del Horno (Chelsea), Antonio Lopez, Pablo Ibanez (both Atletico Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis), Javi Venta (Villarreal)

Midfielders: David Albelda, Ruben Baraja (both Valencia), Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso (both Liverpool), Joaquin (Real Betis), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta, Xavi (both Barcelona), Marcos Senna (Villarreal).

Forwards: Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul (Real Madrid)

Observations
- Vicente is officially out of the squad, but does this leave Spain vulnerable on the wings?
- Marca’s report of Aragones’ 22 players had some errors.
- No Mariano Pernia, which comes as a surprise to me. He is one of the leading goal scorers in the Primera Liga as a defender — why wouldn’t you want this kind of production in Germany?
- Several English-based players in this squad, seven to be exact.
- It appears Villarreal’s deep Champions League run has helped Javi Venta earn a spot on the squad.
- Luis must think very highly of Xavi, who is finally fit after a long injury lay-off.